MINUTES
ARLINGTON SECECTBOARD
November 21, 2022
Members Present: Dan Harvey, Todd Wilkins, Cynthia Browning, Glenn Sherman and Jamie Paustian
Members Absent:
Also Present: (In person, or via Zoom) Nick Zaiac-Town Administrator, Jonathon Cooper-BCRC, Michael Rudiakov-GNAT, and Janet Barry
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM, by Mr. Harvey.
Public Comments: None
Minutes of the Meeting of Nov. 7, 2022: Mr. Sherman made a motion to accept as presented, the minutes of the Nov. 7, 2022 meeting. Ms. Browning seconded. Motion passed, with Mr. Wilkins abstaining because he was not at the last meeting.
New Business: Sidewalk Plow Vote: The snowplow attachment for the John Deere tractor that was awarded at the last meeting was brought back for a revote because the company could not get the part. It was discussed that Mr. Knight is not in favor of this plow for the Park, and there needs to be more information about how this part would mount to the tractor. Mr. Wilkins said he feels money needs to be spent on Park equipment. Ms. Browning said she would consider the purchase if it will fit correctly, as keeping the sidewalks clear is a safety issue. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve snowplow revote. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion failed 0-5
Town Garage Door Repairs: Mr. Zaiac said due to an equipment failure the doors at Town Garage need repairing. There is one bid from Overhead Doors for $2100, who can do the work with existing door frames and panels. Mr. Zaiac asked the Board to vote on this with only one bid due to the importance of having doors that close. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve the Town Garage door repairs from Overhead Doors from Rutland VT for $2100. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Economic Development District : Jonathan Cooper from BCRC was at the meeting to ask for a letter of support from the Board for the forming of the Southern VT Economic Development Zone. After a discussion, it was decided Mr. Cooper will come to the next meeting when he has more information of specific programs and relevance to Arlington.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #22, dated 11/10/22, in the amount of $88,904.00 for the Appropriations that were voted on at Town Meeting, and are paid with property tax revenues. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Water Department Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant WD#22, dated Nov. 18, 2022, in the amount of $4,999.59, which includes BC/BS premium, solar panel purchase, and mailings. Mr. Paustian seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Warrants and Orders: Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #G22-7, dated 11/16/22, in the amount of 258.13, to BCRC for the 7A Sidewalk Project. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Browning made a motion to approve Warrant #23, dated Nov. 18, 2022, in the amount of $25,131.55, with major items being BC/BS premium, GMP, and new Fire Department equipment. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Paustian questioned the $746 dues payment to the VT State Firefighters Association that the Fire Protection Company had previously been paying. Mr. Zaiac said he had felt this was a fee that would be transitioned into the Town’s responsibility, but it was decided that this should have been discussed before being implemented.
Other Business: Mr. Paustian inquired about the possibility of getting internet services at the garage. He explained it would be beneficial to have cameras at the garage that the road crew could access from home to keep track of weather developments, and to be able to order parts online for the repairs that are now being done at the garage. Mr. Zaiac said the approximately $1000 cost will be included in the budget discussions. It was discussed that the gravel budget will have to be increased, and that there are roads still in need of grading. Mr. Zaiac said he was disappointed in the grading this fall, and hopefully some roads can still be graded with any days that are warm enough in the next week.
Executive Session: Ms. Browning made a motion that premature discussion of a personnel issue would cause the municipality to suffer substantial disadvantage. Seconded by Mr. Wilkins. Ms. Browning made a motion to enter into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue and to allow Town Administrator, Mr. Zaiac, to remain in the room. Seconded by Mr. Wilkins. The Board entered into Executive Session at 7:52PM. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:19PM. No decisions were made as a result of the Executive Session.
Mr. Paustian made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Wilkins seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:20PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Barry, Recording Secretary
Cc: files, Town Clerk